Last Update: 15th October 2026
OM-System update page for Products & Software - link
General Q & A page - link
OM Workspace V2.5
Launch date:- 10th September 2026
15th October 2026: I decided to try Workspace V2.5 again on my MacBook with all the older Olympus and OM System files removed from my PCs. See the steps I took to prepare my PCs for OM Workspace version 2.5. The resulting improvements are significant. More information about my PCs:
- MacBook (M1) - accessing my photo collection via Wi-Fi from a Synology home server.
- 2017 Intel iMac - accessing my photo collection from the server or a HD connected to the PC
I tested PC-related delays with a connected Scandisk SSD drive and my Wi-Fi home server. I never saw this new level of PC delays (turning color wheel) in previous versions. A "turning gear" icon at the top left corner of the UI shows editing or raw conversion delays. Accessing the server with V2.5 causes PC delays, whereas the Scandisk SSD drive doesn't. Is my server too slow? It's unlikely because Workspace V2.4, Affinity, and PhotoLab never cause "turning wheel" delays. It, therefore, does seem like V2.5 triggers longer PC delays. The mix of removing older Olympus and OM System files from my PCs and using my SSD drive shortened application-specific (RAW+ conversion) delays, stopped random editing-panel shifts (seen in the video link below), stopped the sudden software crashes of V2.4, and the AI and standard noise filters are "normal" again. I currently have Workspace V2.5 on my MacBook Pro, and the previous version (V2.4) will stay a little longer on my iMac. I used AI to help me remove all Olympus and OM System data files prior to re-installing V2.5.
See this
video for more about V2.5.
Tip for server drives: Goto System Settings and Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Full Disk Access. Go to OM Workspace and confirm "full disk access" in the new file-address line of V2.5 for an almost 95% operational and speed improvement. Also, consider an SSD drive if speed is critical...
A list of the main V2.5 issues I am aware of:
- Random stalling followed by long delays - Solved
- Poor performance of standard and AI noise filter - Solved
- The issue with the V2.5 version White Balance function - Solved
- Some reported blackouts when doing multi exposures (composite) - Solved
- I am using a Rode VideoMic GO II. The Rode Connect software slows WS down
PS. Solved means I found a solution or fix for the Mac version of Workspace. Always ask OM System if in doubt...
More about the new WB function.
It's now clear that Workspace V2.5 does read the measured WB data from the camera's Exif file. This is great news because it means we have full RAW+ functionality with V2.5. The illustration (below) shows what I uncovered about the new (V2.5) WB function...
The OM System WB function description from the updated (V2.5) User Manual.
Suggestion: Beta testing prior to releasing updates would prevent frustrations.
The official account of Workspace updates.
I decided to keep the following V2.5 notes
11th October 2026: I have found a better solution with AI to search and delete Olympus and OM System files from my iMac and MacBook. The challenge was to also remove any of the installed AI noise files. The next step was to re-install Olympus Workspace V1.5, followed by OM Workspace V2.4 (V2.4.0.2). Workspace seems back to "normal," or how I remember it performing prior to the V2.5 update, plus the V2.4 random crashes seem to be something of the past. I assume starting with a clean PC (no older versions) made the difference. The three most irritating aspects of V2.5 are:
- Random stalling followed by long delays
- Poor performance of the noise and AI noise filter
- The new updated version of the White Balance function
30th September 2026: I have spent days cleaning my iMac and MacBook from any Olympus and OM System files. It turned into a general cleanup as I also found and removed Adobe and other old files. I now have Workspace V2.4 on my MacBook and iMac. I was basically forced to invest the time because of security concerns and both the standard and AI noise filters underperforming following the V2.5 update. Everything seems to be fine after reinstalling V2.4.
The changes in the white balance functionality of V2.5 are significant. With previous one could select the camera's white balance measurement in Workspace. That's no longer possible with V2.5. It has been replaced with an AUTO option, with no indication whether we are working with the camera's WB readings or not. This is huge because OM System potentially removed that one aspect which made it possible to replicate the camera's jpeg look in the Workspace.
See this
warning from OM System (Mac PCs doesn't seem to be effected)
28th September 2026: One day V2.5 works well, and the next moment it freezes or simply slows down. There seem to be more software and UI instabilities.
16th September 2026: I updated to the new (V2.5) version. No details available about improvements or updates OM System made. I assume the FW update is for the new OM System PEN. See the update summary I found on the official OM System website below
My advice is to ONLY upgrade if you bought a new OM System Pen. I updated my MacBook Pro (M1 processor). The previous version (V2.4) was stable, whereas V2.5 freezes randomly.
I noticed a strange freezing affect when converting my EM-5 II raw files with the new version. It doesn't happen when I convert my EP-7 raw files. I also tried other raw files from Olympus cameras, assuming the freezing is linked to older cameras like the EM-5 II. After testing more raw files, there was no reason to think older Olympus cameras cause the freezing. The newer V2.5 update is a little quicker when not freezing and also received some interesting updates and features.
I am discussing the Enhanced RAW Format and the new V2.5 in this
video...
There are two types of delays impacting the perceived performance of software. The one is the little update gear in the top left of the Workspace user interface, and the other is the PC's update cycle. The PC's update cycle is indicated by a small color ball. What I described as random freezing seems like the PC's update cycle, which never happened before. I installed V2.5 on my older iMac today...
My first experience with V2.5 was disappointment and frustration...
OM Workspace V2.4
Launch date:- 10th September 2026
21st November 2025 update: I have version 2.4 of WS on my MacBook and iMac from May/June 2025 and am sooo happy with this version. It's quick, responsive, and a joy to use. It does crash when I am working too fast. It helps to let WS finish a task, like exporting a 16-bit TIFF file, before opening and editing the next image... (V2.4 is so good that I downloaded and saved a "recovery" copy.)
Is it advisable to upgrade to the OM-3 version of Workspace? For users of older Intel Macs, I suggest holding off on the upgrade. The existing versions (V2.3.2 or V2.3.3) for Mac PCs are stable and compatible with my Olympus cameras. I personally upgraded to V2.4 on my older MacBook Pro (M1) without encountering any problems; the performance has been swift and responsive.
10th September 2026 Update: I installed version 2.4 on both my M1 MacBook and Intel iMac in March. The new version (V2.4) has a frustrating flaw: it randomly shuts down during post-processing. When restarting Workspace, the pre-freezing editing and conversion history is lost. The Clone Stump Tool also started showing random faults and instabilities. While "old-fashioned," it used to work. It was also possible to clean the database. This option was removed, slowing Workspace down.
OM Workspace V2.3.3
Launch date:- 31st August 2024
I updated both my M1 MacBook Pro and my 2017 Intel iMac.
Notes: (2nd Sept 2024)
- The new version is slower than the previous version (pity as V2.3.2 performs well)
- My M1 MacBook Pro is OK, but my Intel iMac is much slower. See this Intel
article.
- The "faster" button does not seem to make a difference on my Intel iMac - not good!
- I had no request during the update for more access to my PCs - this seems like a plus
- I tried to update an older Olympus camera, but Workspace wanted more access to my PC...
- A better option is to ask your local dealer to update any used Olympus cameras.
- For a summary of WS updates. (Go to the help menu in WS, and click "function info.")
- V2.3.2 is perfectly good - only upgrade older Intel Mac PCs if necessary...
My Intel iMac slowed down after installing Workspace V2.3.3. I had a bad experience deleting a newer version to reinstall the previous version in the past. This time, I followed the advice of a DPReview forum poster and deleted the updated version. I then recovered V2.3.2 with Apple's Time Machine. It worked well, meaning I have V2.3.3 on my M1 MacBook Pro and V2.3.2 on my iMac.
How does one improve the screen update speed between adjustments?
The image below shows how to improve your display updates with Workspace. It does not negatively affect the displayed image quality of Workspace. I use this feature on the Intel iMac.
OM Workspace V2.3.2
Launch date:- 1st April 2024
I updated my copy on the 25th. The good news is that it seems quicker than the previous version. I will add more info in a few days...
Notes: (2nd May)
- The new version is definitely quicker than the previous version.
- I tried PCRAW with my EM1 III. Nothing changed, the same as my previous comments...
- No new features, no complaints, and nothing exciting to discover or discuss...
- The extreme PC access requirements are still a pain - cannot update my Olympus cameras???
- I decided not to allow OM-System the level of PC access they want. Why should I..?
- OLDER WORKSPACE VERSIONS UPDATED ONLY CAMERAS WITHOUT THIS ACCESS?
I spent much time on Workspace and gave the Olympus engineering team top marks for developing this raw converter. Workspace works well as a raw converter, especially for those wanting a good but basic solution. The Enhanced Raw Format is unique and great for learning about Olympus cameras. I will keep Workspace on my PC. I will also focus more on DxO PhotoLab 7.
See this
article. I posted an example of editing one of the test samples with
PhotoLab 6. Version 6 or 7 does not need the same level of access to my Mac as Workspace. PhotoLab scans the DxO server for upgrades or missing lens profiles during startup. Downloads or updates are quick & easy...
OM Workspace V2.3
Launch date:- 31st January 2024
OM-System updated Workspace for the new OM-1 II. I installed the new version on my MacBook Pro with an M1 processor. OM-System also updated the Instruction Manual to V2.3. You will find a link to the new instruction manual in the Help Menu of Workspace.
You will also find a link to the same "old" summary when updating to the new version.
Notes (12th March 2024):
- There was a version 2.3.1 update a few days later. No info is available...
- These 2 versions are slower than the previous version. No info as to why...
- Other than an OM-1 II update, I haven't seen any new Workspace functions.
- I regretfully installed these new versions on both my MacBook and iMac...
- The software's access to PCs is too much. I mentioned this in my V2.2 update.
- I simply block OM-System in my Mac settings after installing the update.
- That means I cannot update my camera via WS. I haven't tried the App yet.
- OMS also requested my personal data when I bought my EM1 III and EP-7...
- The only "benefit" I get from OMS having my data is an inbox with advertising...
- The latest EU regulations highlighted the practice of selling customer data...
The previous Olympus Workspace versions never required this level of access. See this
DPReview post. Whether this is an innocent discussion is irrelevant. Many Olympus photographers reading this post will never experience the benefits of the
Enhanced Raw Format or Workspace.
OM-System is making it hard to build trust and a long-term customer relationship...
Camera firmware updates.
This is an issue for every photographer with an older Olympus. Here are the different options I tried to update my EM10 II on 12th May 2024:
- My iMac (MacOS Ventura). I gave Workspace full access and couldn't do a FW update.
- An OLD MacBook Pro (High Sierra). It connects to the camera but NOT the OMS servers.
- An older Windows PC. It connects to the camera but NOT to the OMS firmware servers.
My iMac with Workspace (V2.3.2) can't connect to the camera. My older MacBook Pro and Windows PC connected to the camera but couldn't connect to the OM-System server. I received a message that my network has a connection problem. The same happens when I change to a different network. I also tried the OM System mobile phone App to update my E-M10 II.
A friendly guy at the FF asylum created an option to upgrade firmware.
Link (
Link 2)
TIP: The only problem I experienced while updating an EM10 was that the downloaded filename had to be changed to the BIN file name on the left of the chart below. See the illustration below.
The safest option for Mac owners is to ask a dealer with a Windows PC to update your Olympus. I did this for my used EM10 II plus IV. It's also a great opportunity to network a little...
OM Workspace V2.2.2
Launch date:- 31st September 2023
The V2.2.2 update is for a new server with camera update information. I updated my Laptop and iMac, and WS works well and is quick on both PCs. I question if OM-System has the in-house capacity to update the EM1 III or older Olympus cameras. I am OK with that because I will not update my Olympus cameras via OM-System. I am not planning to get any new OM-System products either...
OM Workspace V2.2.1
Launch date:- 29th September 2023
I was reminded of an update when I started Workspace. I updated my MacBook Pro M1, and all seems OK. I will wait before doing the update to my new iMac.
Source: OMSystem.com
It looks like a tiny update. I will give more feedback in a week or two...
OM Workspace V2.2
Launch date:- 2nd July 2023
Special update: 21st August 2023. I purchased a "like new" 2017 iMac 27". It has the i7 processor, Radeon Pro 850 8GB graphics, 500GB SSD, and 16GB RAM. The plan is to increase the RAM to 64 GB. The purchase price was less than $900. I installed Ventura (macOS), the latest version of Photoshop, and Workspace V2.2 with the AI noise reduction option. The "new" iMac is quick, and the 5K display is excellent. Workspace and the AI noise reduction option work great. I am still concerned about Olympus cameras, plus marketing research, and will cover all this in my next article...
XXX
I upgraded my MacBook Pro (M1) first. The installation went quick, and everything seemed OK. See a summary of the V2.2 updates at this link. It's the same as V2.0. (Right-click and copy the link if it doesn't open.) The experience is different for my iMac. The PC-RAW "update" opens more questions. I saw some photographers demand unconditional loyalty to the OM-System. How much loyalty should companies enjoy when our personal computers, data, and applications are open to marketers?
Why a different PC-RAW experience for OM-1 and EM1 photographers? OM-System gives no technical reasons for "conventional" versus OM-1 photographers. Are they segregating their "conventional" loyal consumers? One group with "conventional" Pro cameras gets less functionality, and another with OM-System cameras enjoys FULL functionality? Is this a winning strategy for OM-System?
Keep a watchful eye on the following trends. This applies to ALL editing applications:-
- Newer programs like PS only open with a direct Web link to Adobe.
- Another trend is AI wanting more processing power and expensive PCs
- Editing applications should be free from market research on customer PCs
Please check the required PC specifications for V2.2...
Do NOT upgrade if you use an older PC.
Copied from the latest Workspace Manual
My comments as I discover V2.2:-
- My MacBook M1 is slower with Version 2.2. It's now the same as my iMac with V2.11.
- There are no improvements for conventional EM1 II/III/X cameras in PC-RAW mode.
- I really like the AI Noise Reduction from WS. OM-System is becoming a leader in NR.
- Being a leader among camera manufacturers means AI NR is tailored for our cameras.
- The standard NR function in WS is excellent. I use the Low option most of the time.
- I tested the AI NR option versus standard NR, and the results were the same at ISO800.
- I updated my old iMac to the new V2.2 version. This version is way slower than V2.11.
- I have Catalina 10.15.7 installed on my iMac. All my editing software is OK, except...
- The color card in my iMac is not compatible with the AI version of PS and PhotoLab 6.
- Interestingly, the color card has 2GB of memory, but it is not OK for Workspace AI.
- The V2.2 upgrade is the SLOWEST version of Workspace - this is so frustrating!
- My iMac gave a security warning after the installation. Do they need this much access?
- Market research & personal PCs are a conclusion, as I found no other reason for V2.2.
- I am preparing a separate article to discuss image/video editing and what PC you need.
Conclusion
Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format combination offer excellent raw conversion and photo editing. It has the perfect environment to review and edit our camera settings while maximizing the computational features of Olympus cameras. It also delivers high-quality 16-bit TIFF files. All this means nothing if AI or more market research needs 4-minute update cycles for each adjustment. My MacBook Pro with the M1 processor was also slower after the V2.2 upgrade. I am happy with my older iMac. ON1 2023 uses AI and performs perfectly OK with my older iMac.
I did a lunchtime photo shoot this week. As expected, the lighting had a little more contrast. I used ISO800 and center-weighted AE for my EM1 III. This improved my sensor's saturation for the subject areas and overexposed the background areas with up to +1EV. This is an example of managing your SNR to ISO ratio. I noticed Photoshop had more noise in the converted raw files than WS.
I see no difference between the standard and AI noise reduction functions at lower ISOs. AI is more effective at higher ISOs. OM-Systems should prioritize Workspace because it is one of the most user-friendly and appealing differentiators by any manufacturer. OM-System enjoys a significant head start with Workspace. I hope they stop the silly "segregation" games and improve their marketing efforts on promoting the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace...
Standard NR set to Low.
AI NR with the Low setting.
OM Workspace V2.11
Launch date:- January 2023
One of the biggest problems with the previous versions of OMWS was speed. They were so slow that I decided to keep the previous (V1.5) version of Workspace on my older MacBook Pro. I am happy to see that V2.11 is FAST. This is the best news possible for those of us using Workspace. Thank you, OM-System. I will add additional information as I get to know the upgraded version...
Copy and paste the link (below) in your browser for more information from OM-System.
file:///Library/Application%20Support/OMDigitalSolutions/OMWorkspace/Guide/index_ENU.html
Comments:
- I tried PCRAW mode with my EM1 III, and the editing window did NOT change. It's still different from the regular editing window. Why does the OM-1 get access to the default editing window in PC-RAW mode and not the EM-1s? This is annoying and frustrating...
- We can't save our converted raw files as 16-bit TIFF files in PCRAW mode. I have been using DxO PhotoLab while waiting for a faster OMWS V2 upgrade. I can export my PhotoLab 16-bit Tiff file to Photoshop, plus Deeprime works with my 2014 iMac...
OM Workspace V2.10
Launch date:- November 2022
Speed continues to be the biggest problem for this version. Why is this not a priority..?
OM Workspace V2.01
Launch date:- May 2022
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- None
Updates:
- Workspace was updated to allow for OM-1 updates via WS
- The following cameras now have the backup function
- OM-1, EM1X, EM1 II/III, EM5 II (V3 and later), Pen F (V2 or later)
- OMDS recommends using WS V2.01 when updating your camera
- It seems OMDS added some stability improvements in V2.01
Comments: (reviewed)
- The more powerful version 2 is much slower than the V1.5 plus requires more PC power. It could be a good idea to keep the V1.5 version and only upgrade if you bought an OM-1.
- One of the issues with V2.0 is the button or link to your preferred editing application. This button stopped working with V2.0. This is mainly an issue with Photoshop 2022 because the actual PS App is now in a subdirectory of the Adobe folder in the Applications folder. WS V2 does not allow us to access subfolders from the Applications App folder. It is not an issue with V1.5...
- Workaround - (I tested the option (see illustration) below)
- It works, but it opens the basic raw file and not the edited WS file
- Another option is to go back to the first (Photoshop) option in WS (see below)
- It takes a longer time to open the image in PS (maybe a minute)
- When you select the 8-bit file option, it will open a JPEG
- If you do not use the 8-bit option, then it defaults to the TIFF format
- With this option, the WS adjustments are transferred to PS
- This does not happen with the older V1.5 version.
- I wish OMDS would see this and prioritize a fix. I reported this to Adobe.
- Waiting a minute is no good (time). What is the alternative OMDS?
- I experienced NONE of this with my new M1 MacBook Pro and WS (V2)
- I removed V2 from an older MacBook Pro and my iMac and reinstalled V1.5. It worked on my MacBook. Workspace was super fast again on my older iMac. I experienced problems transferring files to Photoshop, plus some editing reset features are no longer available in WS... I reinstalled V2.01 on my iMac and created a new database. See my comments below...
- You will lose the new AI noise reduction from V2.0 if you downgrade. I am happy with both DxO Photolab and the new Deep-Prime option. Update: - Be aware that V1.5 and V2 are using the same image database, and this causes the downgrade to be a problem. The best option is NOT to upgrade to V2 and to wait for a fix.
- Like older versions, V2 does not accept my iMac graphics card with 2GB of memory!! Why does this happen? It has to be quicker with a "non-compatible" color card than without.
- I bought my new MacBook Pro with the M1 processor (baby model). It works like a dream with V2, it's super quick, and the AI noise reduction works... (It's a good solution for WS!!)
OM Workspace V2.0
Launch date:- Feb 2022
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- The new OMDS OM-1 camera was launched
Updates:
- Workspace has been reintroduced as OMDS software
- Sequential shooting image group display
- This feature makes it easier to find specific scenes in a series of recorded images
- A new Focus Analyzer for groups of images
- It evaluates the focus in each group of sequential images
- A new AI Noise reduction option for Olympus cameras
Comments:
- The powerful Workspace V2 seems slower than the older V1.5 version and requires much more PC power. It could be a good idea to keep V1.5 and only upgrade if you bought the new OM-1.
- I removed V2 from an older MacBook Pro and iMac and reinstalled V1.5. Works great and is super fast...
- One of the issues with V2.0 is the button or link to your preferred editing application. This button stopped working with V2.0. This is mainly an issue with PS because the actual PS App is in a subdirectory in the Applications folder. WS V2 does not allow us to access subfolders from the Applications App folder. The older V1.5 version is not slow...
- You will lose the new AI noise reduction with V2.0 when you downgrade. I am happy with both DxO Photolab and the new Deep-Prime options.
- Like other versions, V2 does not accept my iMac graphics card with 2GB.
- I replaced my old MacBook Pro (baby model) with the newer M1 processor (baby model) in Dec 2021. It works like a dream with V2. It's quick, and the AI noise reduction works...
- See my previous upgrade comments, as most problem areas are the same...
- I hope OMDS will fix these issues soon...
Olympus Workspace V1.4 & V1.5
Launch date: June 2021
I didn't add new information on V1.4 because the changes are not noticeable, plus it is unclear who did the updates, Olympus or OMDS...
Updates: (This is an exciting update, BUT poorly communicated)
The V1.5 update happened in June 2021. The only "official" info I could find was that the update added new products and general improvements.
See my comments below for this upgrade:
- It seems support for the new E-P7 was added (Most other raw converters offer no support)
- The Color Adjust function will show what colors the cursor is pointing to. Great!!
- A significant upgrade to the Color Profile - See How-To tips No. 21 -
here.
- Workspace is now faster and more responsive...
- You can now also show the AF point in the image - this is great!! (See my how-to page)
- It also seems the AF point in WS does not work - it always reports the center point.
- The Color and MonoChrome Profile was opened to several other cameras' raw files
- New ART filters and Options added (E-P7). These are NOT open for all cameras
- All MK III and AP Menus can be edited with the new ART filters (raw format)
Comments:
- Olympus didn't fix the software (WS) settings or options. When I added my iMac graphics card to the WS settings, it was accepted and rejected immediately. Even while my iMac has the 2GB video card WS requested.
- The Display Color Management option does not work. (That said, if you edit an image, then WS uses the camera's color settings. If the Exif data is RGB and your PC display is RGB, you're OK...
- The User Manual has not been updated to V1.5 - it's still at V1.4.1
- ART Filters. OMDS opened the new options for cameras with the AP Menu. That means you can edit any E-P7 raw file. The E-M1 was also added to the AP list, but the other OMDs were not...
Olympus Workspace V1.3
Launch date:- 27 March 2020 (V1.3.1)
WorkSpace has been updated to V1.3.1, and includes the following:-
- Actual WorkSpace
- Olympus Updater
- WorkSpace Help File
Launch date:- 12 February 2020 (V1.3)
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- Olympus EM1 III was launched
Updates:
- Video sound replacement was added (Replace video sound with LS-P4 recording)
- Print background color selection added
- Stability improvements
Comments:
None
Olympus Workspace V1.2
Launch date:- 17th October 2019
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- Olympus OMD EM5 III was launched
- Olympus Pen E-PL 10 was launched
Updates:
- Multiple Composites added
- JPEG Picture Mode (MonoChrome and Sepia)
- Level Adjustment (Opacity) of ART filter effect added (only some)
Comments:
The ART filter opacity slider is compatible with the EPL10 and the EM10 III. Not all the ART filters can be adjusted; only the Pop Art and Soft Focus 1 filters.
Olympus Workspace V1.1
Launch date:- 19th June 2019
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- Olympus OMD EM1X Firmware V1.1
- Olympus OMD EM1 II Firmware V3.0
Software Updates:
- Connecting the EM1X and the EM1 II to a PC for high-speed Raw Data Editing
- New functions were added
- Focus stacking
- Lighten Composite
- New and improved Noise Reduction options
- There are software and stability improvements
- Multiple screen views are possible with V1.1
Comments:
- USB RAW data edit is compatible with the EM1 II (V3), EM1X (V1.1), and the EM1 III
Olympus Workspace V1.0
Launch date:- 28th January 2019
New Products or Firmware Updates:
- The EM1X was launched.
Comments:
Olympus Workspace was released and is available for download. First impressions were positive, but it also had some initial problems, like a strange purple screen at times, or it would freeze.
One of the first things one notices is that Workspace is much quicker than the older Viewer 3. Olympus completely redesigned the editing environment, and new functions like Dehaze and Clarity. Olympus Workspace also lost a few tasks that were part of Viewer 3. See the
article I wrote.
Olympus Viewer 3
Viewer 3 was the previous image editing software from Olympus. Apart from being slow, Viewer 3 was a reasonably powerful editing tool. I kept my copy of Viewer 3 on my PC.
The free download from Olympus was terminated on 31st March 2019.
